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Finance committee declines to recommend transfer of Cheyenne liquor license for High Market
Summary
The Cheyenne Finance Committee on Dec. 16 declined to make a recommendation to the full council on a transfer of a retail liquor license to Cheyenne GS LLC (High Market Cheyenne), citing concerns that the proposal did not fit the city’s preferred 'full retail' license model and that the applicant leases, rather than owns, the building.
The Cheyenne Finance Committee on Dec. 16 did not forward a recommendation to the City Council on a proposed transfer of a retail liquor license for Cheyenne GS LLC, doing business as High Market Cheyenne, at 215 East Lincoln Way.
Kylie Soden, city clerk, told the committee the application had been reviewed by city departments and the Wyoming Liquor Division and that the current license would reach two-year inoperational status on Jan. 24, 2026. The applicant, who identified himself as Preet, said the transfer responds to community demand after a nearby package liquor store closed and described plans for a walled-off retail liquor corner within the existing convenience-store footprint.
During extended questioning, councilmembers pressed the applicant on store layout, whether a future bar was planned, who the primary customers would be (travelers versus local residents), whether the applicant owns or leases the building (the applicant said the space is leased), employee training and past incidents, and whether single-serving bottles would be sold. Councilmembers repeatedly framed the choice against the city’s informal preference for a 'full retail' liquor license model that they said yields more comprehensive retail and catering uses.
Two people spoke in support: Nicole Schmidt, manager at High Market, said patrons have shown strong interest in in-store liquor sales; and Terry Cassidy, a realtor and attorney who has assisted with the transfer, noted the license has been on the market for about two years and that larger purchasers previously expressed interest. Cassidy said the applicant operates other stores and has experience with liquor sales.
After procedural confusion over whether a motion to disapprove or a motion to approve should be put on the table, the committee voted in a way that resulted in no formal recommendation to the Monday night council meeting. Several members said the proposal did not align with the types of businesses the city seeks for retail liquor licenses and cited limited available space at the site as a practical concern.
Because the committee did not forward a recommendation, the application will next be considered by the full City Council without a committee endorsement.
